REI Recognized as a Top Employer on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" List for 18th Consecutive Year

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Mar 05, 2015, 09:00 ET

SEATTLE, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading outdoor retailer REI has been named to Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For^®" list for the 18^th consecutive year. Ranked number 58, REI is one of five companies listed annually since the recognition began in 1998, and one of three companies headquartered in Washington state.

Employees Make a Great Place to Work
REI employees have deep passion for the outdoors and a commitment to help others explore it. This enthusiasm fosters the company's culture and community of more than 5 million members across the country. Here's what a few employees have to say about working at REI:

"I feel so grateful that REI has strong values and that we continually explore ways to improve and grow in meaningful ways." – Theresa H.

"I'm super impressed with the people and culture of REI, and am awestruck with the level of care taken to make my onboarding process as productive as possible. I've never experienced such a thoughtful onboarding and feel as though REI is sincerely invested in my success to be a productive member of the team from day one." – Gabriel M.

"I love coming to work because our mission is noble and our eyes are set on carrying our success far into the future to affect generations beyond us. I love that the collateral effects of REI's success are positive to people and the environment." – Gene K.

Love the Outdoors? Join Us
REI employees believe being in the outdoors makes life better. They care about the places where they play and they make a difference in their communities. The company is actively recruiting for a number of positions at its headquarters, including information technology and merchandising roles. The retail division is looking to fill positions for all locations, including new stores opening later this year. Visit http://rei.jobs/ for the latest.

The company's more than 11,000 employees enjoy competitive benefits, including gear discounts, free equipment rentals and grants to meet personal outdoor challenges, generous retirement plan contributions, public transit subsidy, adoption assistance, paid sabbaticals and more.

Last year, the company added a new benefit to encourage employees to spend time outdoors. Called "Yay Day," every employee now receives two extra paid days off annually so they can be outside to enjoy favorite activity or help care for a natural space. Find examples of employee adventures on social media through #REIYayDay.

100 Best Methodology
Fortune partners annually with Great Place to Work^® to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America to identify the 100 Best Companies to Work For^®. Two-thirds of a company's survey score is based on the results of the Trust Index^© Employee Survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. This survey asks questions related to employees' attitudes about management's credibility, overall job satisfaction, and camaraderie. The other third is based on responses to the Culture Audit^©, which includes detailed questionnaires about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, methods of internal communication, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts.

According to Great Place to Work, organizations named to the 100 Best list benefit from strong financial performance, less employee turnover, higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, more innovative and creative thinking, higher productivity and enhanced public perception.

About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation's largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 5.6 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips and outstanding customer service. REI has 138 stores in 33 states. If you can't visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI.com/outlet or the free REI shopping app. REI isn't just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs 150 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI's Outdoor School is run by professionally trained, expert instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to–and steward–the outdoor places that inspire us.

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SOURCE REI